Article updated on September 8, 2026
Replacing your home's siding is a significant project. Material, labor, home design, removal costs, and local requirements can all affect the final siding installation cost.
In this article, we’ll do a cost estimation breakdown of a siding project, dissect labor costs, and help you figure out the right materials and permits for the job. Plus, we’ll offer tips on how to find the right contractor.
Siding installation costs vary by material, labor, location, and the amount of exterior wall area being covered. Installed siding is commonly priced by square foot of siding area, not the home's interior square footage.
Use the material ranges below as starting points, then calculate the project using measured exterior wall area.
Most homeowners spend $6 to $15 per square foot installed for siding, depending on material and labor rates. Here's how that adds up by home size, using an average material mix:
1,000 sq. ft. home: $6,000–$15,000
1,500 sq. ft. home: $9,000–$20,000
2,000 sq. ft. home: $12,000–$25,000
These are starting points. Your actual siding installation cost depends on the material you choose, your home's design, and where you live, all covered below.
Labor costs can vary depending on where you live, but on average, the price of labor to install siding is around $2 to $12 per square foot. The prices vary so much because of the different material types and their necessary equipment or specialties.
So if you’re looking to save money, make sure you choose a siding material that isn’t difficult to install or requires specialized equipment. You can also cut costs by having your siding replaced in the spring or fall when companies are less busy—summertime is their busiest season, so prices tend to be higher.
Want a fast ballpark before you call a contractor? Use this formula:
If you're using an installed price:
Siding area × installed price per sq. ft. + removal/permit/other extras
If you're pricing materials and labor separately:
Material cost + labor + removal + permits + trim/other project costs
For example, a 1,500-square-foot home sided in vinyl at $800 per square, with $6,000 in labor and $1,500 in typical extras like permits and old siding removal, lands around $19,500.
This formula gets you in the right neighborhood, but it can't account for your home's actual shape, trim, or window count the way a real measurement can. Get a 3D measurement and materials estimate with Hover to see exact numbers for your home instead of an average.
The cost of siding a house is more than just the price of the materials and labor. Here we’ll breakdown the average siding project for a vinyl siding installation (we chose vinyl because it’s one of the most common siding options):
That price tag, however, does not include the actual vinyl siding or the cost of labor. Let’s assume we’re siding a 1,000-square-foot home. That means the labor costs would be in the $4,000-$8,000 range, and the cost for materials would be another $4,000-$6,000 on average.
Thus, in this example, the grand total would be close to $20,000.
A 1,500-square-foot home's siding cost depends on its exterior wall area, not its interior square footage, and that number changes a lot depending on how many stories the home has. A single-story 1,500-square-foot home typically needs 14 to 18 squares of siding (1 square equals 100 square feet), while a two-story home with the same interior space needs more like 20 to 24 squares, since siding covers every story's walls rather than just the footprint.
Using vinyl siding at a typical $6 to $9 per square foot installed, that works out to roughly $8,400 to $16,200 in materials and labor for a single-story home, or $12,000 to $21,600 for a two-story home. Add the same $1,500 to $2,500 in permits, trim, and removal costs itemized above, and the full project typically lands around $9,900 to $18,700 for one story, or $13,500 to $24,000 for two stories. Choosing a pricier material like fiber cement or stucco will push either range higher.
For a number specific to your home rather than an average, measure your actual exterior wall area first, then apply the quick estimate formula above or get a 3D measurement with Hover.
"2,000 square feet" describes your home's living area, not the amount of siding it needs, and the difference between the two is bigger than most cost guides let on. A single-story 2,000-square-foot home typically needs about 18 to 23 squares of siding (1 square equals 100 square feet), while a two-story home with the same living space needs closer to 25 to 30 squares, since every story adds wall area that the floor plan alone doesn't account for.
Using vinyl siding at a typical $6 to $9 per square foot installed, a single-story home runs roughly $10,800 to $20,700 in materials and labor, while a two-story home runs closer to $15,000 to $27,000. Add the same $1,500 to $2,500 in permits, trim, and removal costs itemized above, and the full project typically lands around $12,300 to $23,200 for one story, or $16,500 to $29,500 for two stories. More corners, more gables, or a higher-end material like brick veneer or stone veneer can push either range toward the top or beyond it.
The takeaway: two homes can both be "2,000 square feet" and need meaningfully different amounts of siding. Measuring the actual exterior wall area, not the listing square footage, is the only way to know which end of the range applies to your project. Get a 3D measurement with Hover to see your home's real number instead of an estimate based on floor space.
As stated briefly before, vinyl siding is one of the more popular siding options because it’s durable, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive compared to other siding options. The average cost of vinyl siding is $4 to $12 per sq. ft. installed. Let’s look at the other materials’ costs in comparison (all prices are per square foot, installed).
Siding is often sold and measured in squares, with 1 square equal to 100 square feet. Here's how the most common materials compare per square, installed:
|
Material |
Per sq. ft. installed |
Per square (100 sq. ft.) |
|
Vinyl |
$4–$12 |
$400–$1,200 |
|
Insulated vinyl |
$5–$18 |
$500–$1,800 |
|
Aluminum |
$6–$10 |
$600–$1,000 |
|
Fiber cement |
$6–$15 |
$600–$1,500 |
|
Wood |
$2.25–$15 |
$225–$1,500 |
Multiply your estimated siding area, not your home's interior square footage, by the installed cost per square foot for a rough material-and-installation starting point.
The least expensive way to side a house is typically standard vinyl siding, which runs about $4 to $12 per square foot installed. Aluminum and engineered wood sit in a similar budget range, but each comes with a trade-off: aluminum dents and fades faster, and engineered wood needs more careful installation to avoid moisture damage. For most homeowners prioritizing upfront cost, standard vinyl offers the best balance of price and durability.
Vinyl shake or shingle siding: $6.50 to $12.75 per sq. ft. — Mimics the look of cedar shakes but offers lower maintenance.
Engineered wood: $7 to $12 per sq. ft. — Combines wood aesthetics with better resistance to insects and moisture but requires careful installation to prevent water damage.
Aluminum: $6.00 to $10 per sq. ft. — Durable and rust-resistant, but prone to denting, fading, and chalking over time.
Wood: $2.25 to $15 per sq. ft. — A classic, natural look but requires frequent maintenance and is prone to warping, cracking, and insect damage.
Steel: $7 to $16 per sq. ft. — Extremely durable and fire-resistant, though heavy to install and susceptible to rust without proper coatings.
Stucco: $7 to $17 per sq. ft. — Textured, durable finish with good insulation but prone to cracking in wet climates and requires skilled installation.
Fiber cement: $6 to $15 per sq. ft. — Offers the look of wood or stone with superior durability but is heavy, labor-intensive to install, and requires periodic repainting.
Board and batten siding: $5 to $13 per sq. ft. — A classic design often made of wood or engineered wood.
Composite siding: $5.00 to $10.00 per sq. ft. — Made from a mix of wood fibers, plastics, and resins, offering a balance of durability and affordability.
Brick veneer: $8 to $13 per sq. ft. — Lightweight and easier to install than full brick, offering similar aesthetics with minimal maintenance needs.
Brick: $11 to $27 per sq. ft. — Highly durable with excellent insulation but requires skilled installation and periodic maintenance of mortar joints.
Stone veneer: $10 to $35 per sq. ft. — A more affordable alternative to full stone siding.
Stone: $21.50 to $38.75 per sq. ft. — Luxurious and weather-resistant, though costly and labor-intensive to install due to its weight.
Glass panels (Specialty): $20.00 to $40.00 per sq. ft. — Used for modern and luxury designs, more niche but worth noting.
Log siding: $4.00 to $14.00 per sq. ft. — Gives a rustic, cabin-like appearance but requires significant maintenance.
Concrete siding: $4.00 to $8.00 per sq. ft. — Durable and low-maintenance, but heavy and challenging to install.
If you love the look of wood, stone, or brick but don’t love the price tag, no worries! You can choose a brick-look, stone-look, or wood-look vinyl siding style to get the look you love at about half the price. If you’re interested in vinyl siding and want to learn more about its cost breakdown, check out our blog!
The choice of insulation can significantly impact the overall cost of your siding project while also improving energy efficiency. Adding insulation behind your siding increases upfront costs but helps reduce heating and cooling bills in the long term. For example, insulated vinyl siding provides an additional layer of thermal protection, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to enhance energy savings. Consider insulation options like rigid foam boards or spray foam to complement your siding installation.
Insulated vinyl siding typically costs 20% to 50% more than standard vinyl, since foam backing is fused to each panel during manufacturing. On a 1,500-square-foot home, that can mean an extra $1,000 to $3,000 upfront. Homeowners in colder climates often recoup some of that difference through lower heating bills over time.
Obtaining the necessary permits and scheduling inspections are critical components of a siding project. Permit costs can range from $50 to $500 depending on your municipality and the scope of work. These fees ensure compliance with local building codes and help avoid costly fines or project delays. An inspection may be required once the siding is installed to confirm proper adherence to safety and structural standards.
The timing of your siding installation can affect both pricing and contractor availability. Contractors tend to be busiest during late spring and summer, which can lead to higher labor costs. On the other hand, scheduling your project during the off-season—early spring or late fall—can result in discounts as contractors are more likely to have availability. However, ensure weather conditions are suitable for installation to avoid potential complications.
Eco-friendly siding options
For environmentally conscious homeowners, some siding materials are more sustainable than others. Fiber cement, steel, and engineered wood siding often contain recycled content and are recyclable themselves. Additionally, materials like natural wood are biodegradable and sourced from renewable resources, making them a sustainable choice.
Energy efficiency
Some siding materials inherently improve a home's energy efficiency. For example, insulated vinyl siding can reduce heat transfer, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Fiber cement siding also contributes to better insulation when combined with appropriate underlayment. Choosing energy-efficient materials can help lower utility bills and reduce the home’s carbon footprint.
Different climates call for specific siding materials to ensure longevity and performance. For instance, vinyl siding performs well in moderate climates but may warp in extreme heat. Fiber cement and stucco are ideal for areas prone to humidity or heavy rain, while steel and brick siding excel in regions with extreme cold or wind exposure. Choosing the right material for your climate can help minimize repair and replacement costs over time.
Regional building codes and homeowner association (HOA) guidelines often dictate which siding materials can be used. Additionally, certain areas may favor specific architectural styles, which can influence your material choices. For instance, stucco is popular in the Southwest due to its compatibility with Spanish and Mediterranean designs, while wood siding is often seen in traditional or rustic-style homes in the Northeast.
Each siding material comes with its own expected lifespan and maintenance requirements. Here’s what to expect for the most common materials:
Investing in proper maintenance can maximize durability and protect the home’s aesthetic appeal, ensuring your siding remains a worthwhile investment.
A good thing to always remember is that any time a building is being built or altered, a permit is needed. However, a permit might not be needed in every case, if you’re doing a simple repair to a length of siding, for example. No matter the scope of the project, we recommend contacting your local planning or development authority to find out what permits and fees your city or county requires.
When contacting your local planning center, be sure to inquire if an inspection will be required once the project is completed. It might not be necessary for your location, but that’s not an assumption you want to make! Skipping an essential inspection can cause an expensive headache down the road. By making a simple phone call, you can avoid a later hassle.
Choosing between a DIY approach and hiring a professional contractor for your siding project is an important decision that impacts cost, quality, and time. Understanding the advantages and challenges of each option can help you make an informed choice.
Taking a DIY route for siding installation can offer cost savings, particularly for smaller projects or homeowners with prior experience in construction. By cutting out labor costs, you can significantly reduce your overall expenses. Additionally, managing the project yourself gives you complete control over the timeline and materials used.
However, DIY siding projects come with notable risks:
Hiring a professional siding contractor ensures that your project is completed efficiently and to a high standard of quality. While it may involve a higher upfront cost, the benefits often outweigh the expenses:
While DIY installation may be a viable choice for skilled homeowners tackling a small project, professional installation is often the safer, faster, and more reliable option for large-scale or complex siding jobs.
Now that you have a general understanding of the siding process and the cost breakdown, it’s time to hire a siding contractor that can get the job done. Here’s how you can find the right contractor for you.
Has your neighbor or good friend recently had their siding repaired or replaced? Ask them who did it and how the project went. And if you like what you hear, ask them to put you in touch with their contractor.
If you don’t know anyone who’s undergone a siding project, you can search the internet to find professional contractors in your area. Be sure to check their websites and reviews to see if they’re reliable.
Reputable contractors will offer a free estimate of your project. They’ll come to your home and calculate the materials, tools, and man-hours necessary to complete your siding installation. Getting multiple estimates, or bids, gives you the opportunity to see the general cost and weed out those who are under or overestimating.
When contractors use Hover, they’re able to get accurate siding measurements with just a few photos of your home. Those smartphone photos create a fully scaled 3D model with all the necessary exterior measurements. This allows contractors to show you different materials and colors on a customizable 3D model and provide more accurate pricing estimations.
While the contractor is there presenting their estimate, ask them lots of questions. They should be able to answer them patiently, making sure you’re comfortable with the process. If you have questions about which siding is right for your home, the contractor can use Hover’s technology to show you what your home would look like with different siding options—so you feel confident with your decision.
Siding your house is a big decision, and you want to feel at ease knowing you made the right choices. Contractors that use Hover have the technology to help you visualize the final project and have more accurate estimates for a seamless experience.